April 14, 2024

Some pretty big things have happened since last blogging. First up is Easter weekend. We got sick. Some weird tummy bug. We were so bummed to miss it because it was a walk through Holy Week. Every auxiliary took a day and did a little activity or message to teach about it. Gaupo was in charge of Gethsemane, and I (the primary) was in charge of Palm Sunday. I think it turned out really good, but we missed it. So, instead we assigned each of our kids a day of Holy Week and did our own walk through it on Easter. It actually worked really well. I think that week became a little more real to each of them. My favorite was a project Abby and I worked on for Saturday. We made a diorama that had a tomb where she could place Jesus's body and roll the door closed. Then there was a hole in the top where she could drop Jesus's spirit into heaven where he organized those faithful people there to share the gospel. It was pretty fun for both of us to make. Kade talk to us about Jesus on the cross. Kylee had cleansing the temple. Tia did Resurrection Day. She used the sign Kylee made for the YW booth at the ward party. Jason had the last supper and Gethsemane, and I had when Judas betrayed Jesus. We also had the visit from the Easter Bunny. He left a hunt for the kids. It took them awhile to find them all and made for a fun morning.

The YW booth with Kylee's Sign 

Coloring eggs is so fun!

Hope loved dropping eggs in and watching them.

Jason is actually really likes this activity just not pictures

Abby making her eggs look good.

Finished colored eggs

Waiting on the stairs to start the hunt

Yep she loved hunting for eggs

Kylee is blessedly still not too big to have fun hunting.

The next big event was the talent show. Tia tried out and participated in school talent show. She played a piece on the piano called "The Clown." She did such a good job. It was fun to go support her and hear all about all the things. She did great and when she was done took a great big bow. It was wonderful and she LOVED it!

Then it was General Conference weekend. We typically get together with Kitt and Matthew. Kitt and I were both single parenting on Saturday while our husbands worked. Normally Kitt comes here, but were are kind of to the stage where it is easier for us to go to her that way she can nap Jay at home and still enjoy our crazy. The kids had a great time playing with all 'new' toys, coloring, lounging on Aunt Kitt's couch and between session playing in the frigid wind on her swing set. We had lunch and dinner there and then after the last session headed home. It was really fun to be able to be with her and she puts up with us all so well. We are really not a quiet bunch, but she loves us and welcomes us anyway. After General Conference was over for the weekend we gather at Jack's house for dinner. We all kind brought experimental dishes to share and you know it was delish. I love that I have family that we can go and be with just because. I love that my kids love their cousins and enjoy being together whenever we get together. It just feels so good to be together.

Tia played most of Saturday but sat and colored this most of conference.

Then it was Eclipse Day! Our school was not going to let kids outside at all during the eclipse and I just didn't think that was right for an event that happens so infrequently that I never experienced it before adulthood. So, I sent my kids to school until the twins were done with preschool and then I checked everyone out for the day. I also got Lindsay to check out Betty, Allen, and Roxy and they came to our house too. So, we were outside watching the eclipse pretty much the whole time. I had chalk so the kids could draw both the eclipse and also just to draw. We also monitored the temperature a little and just played. I also fixed sandwiches, crackers, fruit, and popcorn for everyone. We ate lunch under the eclipse sun. We definitely didn't get to totality (we were only 60%) but it was fun to make a big deal party out of little deal and be outside for almost 3 hours. When I did finally let the kids inside, the played really well. Kylee and Betty made Mallowmelt cookies together. They are from a book they both like called "Keeper of the Lost Cities." They were very good and they had a lot of fun.

Abby, Roxy, Allen, Kade, and Tia playing

Allen and Abby

Looking at the eclipse

Doing stained glass sidewalk art while waiting for me to let them inside

Kyle andBetty with their finished eclipse drawings

Kylee and Betty with a Mallowmelt.

Other than those events it same ol' same ol' around here. We have school, swim lessons, homework, church activities, Gaupo has work, and I try to keep our family fed, the house clean, and balance all the things so that we can have some real good family time together to. Not everything in my life is perfect. Actually, a lot of it isn't like Kade had a cavity that had to be filled, Kylee still has headaches, we sometimes yell or get upset with each other, and there is plenty of complaining, but you know all of that mashed with all the good makes it a life worth living and trying to do better at. I am slowly working on being okay with simple things. We might not ever get to take a big vacation or maybe just one. I might not ever have a super wonderfully decorated home with everything matching just so. But, I have kids that love their family because we go see them and they have a blast together. I have a wonderful home with enough room for all of us and company when it comes. Also, my family has a great time doing what we do and I love it. I have a great group of people to share life with.

Hope eating one chocolate piece

She can finally touch the ground on the strider

Drinking Slurpee's we got on Bring your own container day at 7-11

We pulled out the hammock one day to enjoy the good weather.

Spring Break 2024

 This week was Spring Break. At the beginning of the week we made a list of what we wanted to do on spring break. I wasn't sure we could get it all done especially since Gaupo had Covid and I wasn't sure who would get sick and who would be well. However, we managed to do all the things and had a great break together. I was also wondering how it would go because we had to online learning days our school districts new snow days and I wasn't sure how the actual break would go.

Monday was a primarily get things done day. Kylee and I went on Monday to another therapist. Kylee really liked this one or at least like the office so hopefully this is a good therapist and we can get the help we want and get to go to a cool office. I really do think it will  work out good, but time will tell. I also took Tia to find new glasses. This girl is so picky and as parents we are kind of picky because I hate when they slip down in front of her eyes. Anyway, we did find a pair and I hope they work. We did pick them up on Friday and so far they aren't too bad, but I just hope they keep working and staying on her face. That night Kylee and Tia went to Urban Air with Trent and Tori and had a blast. I took the twins and Hope to Little Monkey Business for a birthday party for a girl in the twins class. So, we all had a fun night playing with friends and places we rarely go. 

Tuesday the dentist for Kylee and Tia and free cone day at Dairy Queen. So, in the morning we did our dental appointments and in the afternoon we went to DQ for free cones. It was gorgeous weather so we enjoyed them out on the patio. Then on the way home we stopped at a little store called The Hidden Treasure to get some paintbrushes. Really I just kind of wanted to see what they had, but we did need paintbrushes, so we stopped to check it out. We had a good time looking at all the things and did find paintbrushes. Then we came home and painted Book of Mormons. Abby has been wanting to paint her scriptures since Kylee and I did it for a RS activity and we finally did it. It turns out I am not a craft with kiddos person. One-on-one is okay, but a whole group with paint on my new to me table was a little overwhelming but my kids were patient with me and we got it done and everyone loves their scriptures. That night Tia had activity days and so she and I went to that while everyone else stayed home and enjoyed tv time with dad.

Me, Tia, Abby, Kade, and not pictured Kylee at DQ

Kade: He wanted a bow and arrow and sling shot
Abby: I dont know all of it but flowers, stars, and her name
Tia: Jesus in the tomb. An then sun rising.
Kylee: The sun rising on the ocean. Something she is sure that Nephi and his family saw while crossing.

Wednesday we stayed a little closer to home. It was laundry day, so we got that started and then for something to do we rode bikes to the Richard's park. There was another kid who happened to be there and he joined us in our play. The rest of the day was just spent at home with quiet time and hanging out. We did watch CowBelle's together and that was fun to enjoy one another.

Thursday was a big day. We were orginally going to spread out the events but because of Gaupo's sickness and how well I was feeling. I did catch something and haven't felt healthy and normal since Tuesday night but our kids do not self entertain well, so we just kind of kept going. Anyway, Thursday i took the kids swimming in the morning. Then after lunch and naps we used our Get Out Pass for Bowling, Arcades, and Go-Karts. We also had a gift certificate we used to grab some Little Ceasers pizza for on the go dinner. It was really fun and went really well except that it got windy and cold at go-karts so we made it but could have gone better had we had jackets and pants for everyone. It was so fun to spend time as a family together. I don't think the Get Out Pass is worth it full price but its been totally worth the 75% off price I got it for. We have had a lot of fun together as a family which is what we got it for.

Kade and Jason on Go-Karts

Abby and Me

Bowling together

Jason and Kade

Kylee

Friday our fun thing was meeting Aunt Kitt at a new park for lunch. We picked on that looked cool in pictures. It was actually just a fancy neighborhood park but the kids still had fun and it was fun to go somewhere new. It was so great to remember that simple things like picnics, parks, and sunshine can be  just as perfect as going and doing things. Sometimes its best to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

Saturday we also spent some time with Kitt. We went to Lochbuie for their Easter Celebration. We got their just in time to get a few eggs from the 'hunt' which was really just a dash for eggs that were in the grass. We were a little late so we didn't get many but that is okay. Then we went to the petting zoo, and got some free lunch. Once again, just so great to be with Kitt in the sun. Its so great to go to parks and enjoy food and family. Then we went home and enjoyed Gaupo. He told me what he researched as far as how to build our garden this summer and we will see what happens. 

The week was good. I loved spending time with my kids. It was a good break from homework, practicing, and swim lessons. It was good to just do whatever and be together. I love break! I love my family. I have the best!

One Month Later

 Its amazing to me how easy it is to let 'just one time' escalate to more than that. Such is the case with the blog. Things came up in the time I had to do it and so it didn't happen. It was way easier to let it slip than to keep it up, but here I am hoping to try again. Plus the last month has had some great times that I need to write about.

Probably most importantly, Kylee turned 12! Its so crazy I have a 12 year-old but we have been anticipating this birthday for almost a year so its time to be 12. She decided to pierce her ears and so I went to my first tattoo shop with her and got it done. They did a great job and they seem to be healing really well. It was fun to do something with her that she has been looking forward to for quite awhile. I think she loves her pierced ears. She also is now riding in the front seat whenever she can. This is an adjustment for me since I now sometimes need the seat empty for her, she can see the speed I am going, has access to the music, and is right there next to me. For her actual birthday she wanted everyone over for dinner. She opted to have taco salad since Jason and I said we could not make tacos for everyone. It was so great to have everyone around. I acquired a new kitchen table earlier that week and it gets big and my family lovingly obliged and crammed everyone around the table. It was crowded but it was AWESOME!! I loved that conversations, the laughter, the tightness, but mostly that we were together. Together is an important thing to me and I love that it happened. I don't regret buying my table at all. I wish I could sell the other, but we will get there. So, we had taco salad dinner and then we had crock-pot cake. I made a triple batch. A double for my regular crock and then a single gluten free one in the small crock. It was so good. I feel so blessed to have family close and that we want to be together. Its fun to see the kids play with each other and have aunts and uncles they know and love.

Just a little about Kylee. This past year has been a tough one for her. She started middle school which she has really enjoyed. However, during sports she started having chest pain, she still has constant headaches, and she developed a huge cyst on her eye. These things have led to many doctor appointments, x-rays, scans, and not a whole lot of answers except that she seems healthy and for the cyst just be patient it will go away. Well, even over 4 months for development of these things we still don't have a lot of answers. The cyst is smaller and is going away. We are looking into therapy for anxiety to see if that is what is triggering headaches and chest pain. We will see its a journey and though there are rough patches she is handling things really well for being 12. Yep, there is still attitude at times, and there are moments when we both wonder if things will ever be better, but they are. She loves serving in her yw class. She is the 1st councilor and she loves planning activities and hates giving lessons and talks. She has a good group of friends at school. She loves attending the temple and her friend Tori Jacobson has been amazing at getting her there often. Its a challenge for us with so many younger kids, but have helped us so much. Kylee still loves dancing her own style and way. She loves to have music and audio books constantly around her. She loves her siblings and enjoys being with them. She has tried tons of things at school. She does well in her school work and is really a wonderful girl.

In other news, Tia and Kylee both had music concerts in the last couple weeks. Kylee had her second 6th grade band concert. She did a good job and it was fun to watch her. I don't think she will continue to play the flute and that kind of makes me sad but its been fun to watch her perform and learn something new. Tia had her 4th grade music concert. It was really good. She got to play the drums and she did well. I love watching her sing and do things she loves.

We are still in swimming lessons. Everyone is getting stronger and a little better every session. Kade and Abby are really starting to get their roll overs and they love, love swimming. Kylee loved being the best in her class this last session. It will be interesting to see what her and Tia think of being in the same class this round. Tia has made some new friends in her swim class and though she likes swimming I think she is loving the social aspect of swim, just being with kids who want to play with her. I know they are getting stronger because last week we rode our bikes to church. We did it to help our kids be able to sit better through stake conference and to help with parking. Elder Stephenson came and spoke, so that was a real treat. The kids didn't get to meet him because we didn't think of it soon enough, but I think it was a good day anyway. The kids rode all the way there and all the way back without any real issues. It was a push for the twins but they both did it!

Life is busy and good right now. Tia has a new medicine that as of right now seems to be working just right. I feel so blessed because things weren't right and I just kind of wanted to blow it off as her, but it just didn't seem right, so I reached out to the only doctor I could get a hold of (our pediatrician retired. its very sad) and she blessedly was able to get me an appointment with Dr. Meng who I really like and he did some talking and helped us out. We tried one thing and that didn't work and so we tried this other and I feel like it works. I am so glad we got that appointment because it is so nice to have our Tia back and I think she's glad to be back.

Life is one grand adventure right now. My kids today were asking how many miles we have on the van and I looked down and it was like 239,500-ish and I could help but smile and think to myself yep, 239,500 miles of adventure. We have ups and downs. Mothering at this stage is interesting and I am not sure how I am doing. I haven't 'played' in a long time with a child because the twins have had each other and love playing with each other, so I have to relearn how to do that with Hope. I am trying to parent pre-teens, and pre-schoolers. They all have different needs and levels that they need things. Its tricky to find what I need to be and to be it. But I keep trying and hopefully it all works out. It hard but I still love being a mom. I love that I get to be fully in this role and don't have to worry about work. I feel so blessed to right here right now.

 

Getting it done.

Kylee with pierced ears

Our family

Kylee

cousins!

The whole crew at the table

Kitt watched the kids when I went to Kade's IEP. I came home and my heart leapt with joy at this sight.

Tia on the drums

2/18/14

 The sickness from last week is still lingering around here. We for the most part all feel well, but have a cough at night or I still have some cold like symptoms going on. It is a real doozy of sickness. I can't remember the last time I really had a virus last and last like this. Plus, on Monday night I was helping Abby dry off after swim and saw that her eye was red and had a booger coming out of it and so I went to wipe it and she was like "NO! It hurts." I was like crap, we have pink eye. Luckily/Blesssedly I had some drops from another bout we had with this and so I didn't even have to argue with a doc to get drops I could just use them right away. So, she had to miss school Tuesday, but she was well again for Wednesday. 

I did parent teacher conferences this week. They actually went really well. Kade is doing well and knows a lot of his sounds. He doesn't have a desire to write them and can't really name them, but he can make the sounds. Abby is kind of the opposite she loves to write her letters and can identify quite a few by name and knows a few sounds. Their teacher says they are both Kinder ready. Tia is doing well. Math is kind of her thing right now. She works pretty diligently at it and seems to get it. She is doing really well overall and seems to be making progress in all areas which is what we want.

This weekend has been a much need break from school. I am so excited that we don't go tomorrow either. Friday me and the kids met up with Kitt, Jay, and Hugh and went swimming. Friday was cold and gray, so it was so nice to get out and do something. Gaupo had the afternoon off, so he helped the kids with video games and things in the afternoon. Then he and I went to our wards adult night where we had potluck pizza and visited. It was pretty fun. We didn't stay too long, but we had a good visit and enjoyed being there. Yesterday, Kylee, Tia, Kade, and I went ice skating. Abby did not want to go and out of the dread of her crying the whole time we were there for the 3rd year in a row, Gaupo stayed home with her and hope. The others and I had a great time. Kade is pretty darn good. He spent some time getting his bearings using a walker but spend about 30-45 minutes on his own skating. He did great. Tia and Kylee are getting the hang of it too. Its just a little tricky when you only go once a year to get real good at it. Then last night we hosted a wiener roast. I have wanted to do a winter one for a few years now and this year was the year. I really enjoyed it. I wished I could have had a bigger fire longer, but you know its tricky with not wanting it too big but big enough and eventually we do have to let it die down. We had the Blaylock's and Bryce's over. We went through a ton of food. We ate 19 hotdogs, 11 polish dogs, 16buns, 2 bags of chips, 1 bag of mallows, 2pkgs of graham crackers and 1+ bags of chocolate. The crazy thing is all of us had lunch and we didn't eat that late. I guess it was the cold and food and company. Winter fire is a lot of work because all your winter gear gets smoky plus the fire needs more fuel because you want it warm. But honestly, it so great with the dark and the cold and the fire. I would do it again, but I don't know that it will happen real soon.

I am blessed with a great group to call family. I love the time I get to spend with them. I spend more time worrying about these people than they will ever know, but I sure love them and want what is best for them. 

 Sometimes Hope just gets tired at lunch. She feel asleep and didn't even flinch when we put the pretzel in her mouth.

Kylee skating

Kade with the walker

Me and Kylee at the rink

Kade all on his own.

Tia

Hope, Gaupo, Jack and Jay

Tia and Roxy by the fire

Me at the fire

2/11/24

 I don't remember why I didn't take a chance to write last week, but man was it tempting to skip again. I guess it just shows that consistency is key to making good habits.

Nothing real exciting is happening around here right now. Kitt came over on Monday to just hangout. That was pretty fun. Jay did not want to take a nap and so sadly a lot of naptime Kitt had to spend wrestling him to see if he would fall asleep. However, we did cover a bunch of pretzels in chocolate, so we have been enjoying ours all week. Tuesday night was a combine youth activity to kick-off the new year and introduce the new youth. I got to introduce Kylee. It was pretty fun to watch Kylee that night. Somehow she was invited by the deacons to sit in front with them, so there is Kylee in the middle of this row of boys just loving life. Then after the activity she tried playing keep away with them. Kylee is not super aggressive, but she had fun and they kept letting her play. Maybe your wondering where the other young women were. Well, during the activity they were by their parents in the second row opposite from Kylee and after I have no idea they kind of disappeared. I am glad Kylee could enjoy and have fun on her own.

Wednesday night was swim lessons. All the kids currently have them on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Everyone is improving and it makes everyone pretty tired which is great. Thursday I woke up with my throat hurting. I was going to go to the doc but ultimately decided that it wasn't strep so there was no point. I was right its not strep, but I am still sick. Its been a nasty cold/flu virus. It has been the most rough for sleep because my legs have just ached at night. Also, I am not the only one sick which is a bummer, but hopefully by this next weekend we will all be better so we can enjoy the four-day weekend.

Kylee taught in YW for the first time this week. I think it went pretty well. She was grateful for the adult leaders who chipped in with answers since the young women in her class are pretty quiet. I think over all she felt pretty good about it.

Roxy, Tia, Betty, Allen,Kade, and Kylee with the snowmen they made last weekend

Abby and Kade having a tea party

Abby and Kade coloring this branch with chalk

1/28/2024

 Hi Grandpa,

This week was pretty calm compared to the previous couple of weeks. We had no scheduled doctor appointments, so during the day Hope and I were kind of home. We didn't exactly stay home as we went and did a couple of ministering visits and watched basketball games for Kylee, and then Tia did end up needing a doctor appointment, but Jason took her. The sickness has been at our house again. I think Kade might have caught the cold but hopefully it is almost out of here. 

This week had a couple special events. First, we went to see a therapist on Monday to see if maybe Kylee has some anxiety that is causing her chest and lung pain. It was pretty darn bad appointment. The therapist pretty much told us there was nothing she could do to help us. She made me feel really uncomfortable and was just kind of weird. Needless to say, we aren't going back there. We haven't given up just yet. I have a couple more to try, so we are hoping that they go better and that maybe we can find someone that gets us.

Friday we went to Kitt's house to soak up some time with her and her boys. It was so nice to just hangout and not have any pressing things that needed to be done. Everytime I visit her I am so glad to have sister close to just be with.

The next special event was yesterday when Kylee and I went snowshoeing with the YM and YW. We went to a place called Red Rock Lake. We went with a very experienced guide and he was able to make hike just the perfect doable amount for the kids. I think some could do more, but some were done and so I think it was a good match. The views were beautiful and the wind blessedly died down, so it was a beautiful day to be out.

Then the other great news is that my parents came to visit. I am kind of bummed I don't get any alone time with them, but at least I get to see them. They are staying with Jack and his family. We had pizza and hung out last night and then today we are going over for dinner and company again. Family is such a blessing. I feel so grateful to be part of such an amazing one. 

All bundled before we started

Our just after lunch photo stop

Kylee tried to jump and tipped over.

"Mom, take my picture." aka Mom please stop I need a rest.